American Express Membership Rewards - The real difference (Plat vs Cent)

So what am I missing. I qualify for the Centurion Card but I also am at or near top tier in all the programs of the travel partners I do biz with.

What then will I get with Black that I won't get with Platinum?

Seems to me they're just selling elite levels to people that don't travel that much.

LAOCA,

While researching the Diners Club program, I came across the Carte Blanche that seems to be the equivalent of the Platinum card, yet offers some different perks. I have a Platinum card and haven't utilized enough of its benefits. I see the benefit of a regular Diner's card, but don't see paying another $300 for the Carte Blanche.

However, in your case, it sounds like it might be a good combination and dollarwise to get a Carte Blance in addition to your Platinum, instead of upgrading to Centurion.

http://www.citibank.com/dinersus/blanche/root/index.htm

There have been many posts regarding this.

From my point of view, it suits me because I travel and entertain on a regular basis. The customer service/concierge and travel desks are superb. While I have earned EXP on AA, Gold on DL, US and CO are useful when I need to fly them. I will never fly on them enough to qualify. Diamond at Hyatt and Platinum at Starwood are tremendous benefits especially when I need to force a reservation.

Many other benefits come with the card, a slightly expanded airline program (buy 1 get 1 free) Avis Presidents Club etc etc...

Again if you travel the $1000 pays for itself. If you don't travel, stick with Plat or Gold.

Seems to me that in many cases those who have Centurion already qualify for several of the elite programs by the various airlines, hotels, car rentals etc. and sidx is right if you do not travel a fair amount it may not be worth it. And the Platinum will suffice. This whole topic seems to have been discussed ad naseum now for quite some time. From a personal stand point, I have enjoyed the CTS and the travel counselor/ conceirge and have found their service to be very convenient and professional. I for one have enjoyed the Centurion and as one who travels, have found this service to be excellent..and will look forward to using CTS.

Good question. In my case, we got a second card for my wife, and she has been able to really use the FF benefits. Otherwise, I have not noticed any particular recognition of it when used. I also made a couple of simple requests, along the lines of those suggested in the promtional materials, and was ignored (call never returned). When I complained, a lady from the Jacksonville office called, wasn't particularly helpful, and said there was still a "disconnect" beween the marketing and fulfillment processes, whatever that meant. They also nearly cut the card off while I was in Europe, over a supposed attempt to charge $20 at an Amoco station someplace in the US, which couldn't be validated. When I finally reached them, they wouldn't tell me where it happened, saying it would compromise their security procedures. I then asked why, if this had actually happened, they didn't immediately cancel and reissue. After a long pause, the person said "oh, right...we'll cancel it right away", which then caused me to have to go back to several people with the thing on file and change that info. Puhleeze.....

Thanks for the responses so far but they don't seem to fit my question. I do travel an immense amount. I use the two for one Platinum program now but don't see more airlines or increased benefits in this category with the Centurion Card.

My question was: What are the advantages over Platinum if you already qualify for the top tiers in the loyalty program?

Thanks.

If at matters to you, with Centurion you get a personal travel agent and concierge. In theory, they should provide better service (by learning your habits/interests) than you would receive by calling a multi-user desk where someone who hasn't worked with you before is reliant upon your profile.

Also, once the Concord starts flying again, you should have the opportunity to upgrade from BA F.

Otherwise, I don't think that there is much of a difference between the programs, particularly with the two-for-one and the Fine Hotel programs.

I have read all about the elite status and personal travel/concierge service. I was wondering if there are any better insurance programs with the US Centurion Card vs. the US Platinum Card. For instance Baggage, (it always gets me the AMEX charges Platinum card holds a fee to get higher levels of coverage.) Is there any trip cancellation or delay insurance with the US Centurion Card. Are there any other benefits missed in the many Centurion card posts?